Testimonials

It you want a straight answer to a complicated or difficult question, especially any questions surrounding justice issues, you will do well to talk to my friend Yvonne O’Neal. Yvonne studies, listens, asks questions — all which benefits anyone she is speaking with. Her passion around issues of human trafficking and women’s right are exemplary. Working with her on the Board of the Episcopal Church’s Church Pension Fund cemented for me Yvonne professionalism and dedication to whatever committee she is assigned to. More, she is a loyal and faithful friend. I count her among the blessings of my life!

I am pleased to offer a recommendation for Yvonne O’Neal as she renews her commitment to The Episcopal Church and Church Pension Fund in running for a second six-year term as Trustee. When I learned of her candidacy six years ago, I offered to put my personal reputation before deputies to the General Convention in service of introducing her to the church. She brings a unique combination of experience in the retirement funds world serving not-for-profits and their employees at TIAA-CREF as well as serving as a Trustee of the American College of Financial Services separate from her service to the church, now including six years as a Trustee of the Church Pension Fund.

It is critically important in this season to give continuity to the leadership of our Trustees, noting especially the loss of a number of experienced Trustees who will not be running for re-election. I commend Yvonne O’Neal to your consideration unconditionally.

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Yvonne O’Neal for more than eight years, since she served on the vestry that called me as rector. Since that time, I have learned from Yvonne, and many times, have leaned upon her as a leader, an organizer, and as a friend. She is rare in that while she is deeply involved in issues affecting the wider Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church, NGOs, and the United Nations, she never loses sight of the details that are often so important in a local parish church. For example, in the same week, she can gracefully convene and moderate an international panel concerning human trafficking and also recruit and contact volunteers to complete a rota of lectors and acolytes. Even when she is traveling, she prioritizes joining us online for worship and the Daily Office. Her energy and her faithfulness inspire us all.

Yvonne O’Neal was an excellent employee and advisor for the college and university faculty whom our company served.

She is an outgoing and friendly person who works well with her colleagues, and would be well liked and admired by her fellow trustees.

Her academic background at TIAA-CREF gives her an extraordinary ability to understand the issues facing the clergy served by the Church Pension Fund. She would be a trusted and reliable resource on pension issues.

I have known Yvonne for many years as a longtime, involved member of my church, Church of the Holy Trinity. In addition, I experienced her professional talents when, by chance, she was assigned to me as my TIAA advisor when I contacted TIAA to discuss and set up my teaching pension benefits. She clearly explained all the options,  yearly fixed annuity payments, equity investment opportunities through CREF with graded payments dependent on the yearly performance of the stock market, etc. At the end of our meeting she clearly laid out and confirmed the choices she had helped me make. I have been the fortunate beneficiary of her knowledge of retirement needs and TIAA offerings as my TIAA pension plan has been excellent in all respects. I strongly support Yvonne’s election as a new Trustee of the Church Pension Fund. She has had an amazing breadth of experience in the Episcopal Church and would make a knowledgeable and diversified contribution as a trustee for the Church Pension Fund.

It has never been more important for charitable and spiritual-based organizations to have competent leaders having oversight of Pension Funds.  In that regard, I am pleased to offer insights so that the Episcopal Church can make an informed selection at the General Convention.

Yvonne O’Neal served as Trustee of The American College of Financial Services for several years while she was a leading financial advisor for TIAA-CREF.  The American College was started in 1927 as a branch of The Wharton School; the institution has been independent for five decades and has graduated over 150,000 professionals in the pension, retirement, insurance and cash asset management sectors.  As the nation’s largest financial college with the highest level of accreditation, it was an honor to benefit from the wisdom and market knowledge that Yvonne brought to our non-profit.

Yvonne is most qualified to serve the outstanding mission of the Church and the Pension Fund in particular because of the vulnerability of that corpus during any major or prolonged series of events that could disrupt the stability that so many seek in their retirement years.  A highly disciplined, ethical and well educated planner, we entrusted her with the financial and educational oversight for an entire university; she served on three committees of our Board of Trustees with distinction.  This is as prepared and thoroughly delightful professional that I could imagine to support your mission.

On a personal note, I must tell you that Yvonne lives the tenets of the Episcopal Church daily.  She is an advocate for women at risk both here and abroad.  She is passionate about the integrity of the family and service to others.  She sings joys of appreciation and inspiration to each project she undertakes.  Her positively and inclusion of others, countered by her financial acumen, will serve you superbly well.